OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Fifth-year senior defender Holly Hein(Castaic, Calif./West Ranch) of the No. 19-ranked University of Michigan women's soccer team was named Wednesday (Aug. 21) as one of 30 finalists for the 2013 Senior CLASS Award in collegiate women's soccer.

Hein, a second-year captain this season, has started 51 of her 56 career matches for the Wolverines and has played all over the park. Despite playing in only 12 matches combined over the 2010 and 2011 seasons due to a knee injury and thyroid cancer treatment, respectively, Hein had her best season in the Maize and Blue last season, helping Michigan to new program records in fewest goals allowed (17 in 24 matches) and shutouts (13). She started all 24 matches on defense, helping the Wolverines to a 16-win campaign and an NCAA Sweet 16 berth while finishing as an All-Big Ten (first team) and NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region (second team) selection. Academically, Hein will graduate in December with a degree in screen arts and cultures. She is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and was a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2011.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - community, classroom, character and competition. From the list of 30 candidates, a national media committee will select ten finalists for the 2013 Senior CLASS Award in October. Those 10 names will then be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote. Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award. The winner will be announced during the 2013 Women's College Cup in December.

Michigan opens the regular season on Friday (Aug. 23) against UW-Milwaukee. The match will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the U-M Soccer Stadium. [ Tickets ]